Jonah complex

Jonah Complex is the fear of success which prevents self-actualization.

Causes

1. Fear of the sense of responsibility that often attends recognizing our own greatness, talents, potentials.
2. Fear that an extraordinary life would be out of the ordinary, and hence not acceptable to others.
3. Fear of seeming arrogant, self-centered, etc.

Etymology

Name probably comes from the Biblical story of Prophet Jonah's evasion of the destiny to prophesy the destruction of Ninevah.

See also

• Metamotivation
• Abraham Maslow